Klosters

Unlike the nearby glitzier tourist towns of St Moritz and Davos, Klosters remains an idyllic village. Chalets, rather than high rises, dot the mountain where high society enjoys spectacular skiing by day and discreet pleasures by night.

Klosters comes by its peace and quiet naturally. It got it's name from the monastery of St Jacob and St Christopher, established there in 1220. Two hundred years later, German speaking people from the Canton of Valois began to populate the area, and the Prattigau dialect can still be heard o­n the streets of Klosters to this day.

Klosters, at 1200m (3937 feet) above sea level, is known for being the favored ski resort to royalty and other serious skiers. A peaceful train ride, which is free of charge if you hold a valid guest card, will transport you to 40k of slopes. There are abundant transport facilities, including lifts and cable cars. Skiers and snowboarders alike can find a variety of marked slopes from easy to difficult.

The magic of Klosters, for the rich and famous, is that you may remain as anonymous as you care to be. The o­nly exceptions would be Britain's royal family,who, though certainly rich, are too famous to be ignored. It is well known that Klosters is the favorite ski haunt of Charles, the Prince of Wales. The Windsors, including Princes William and Harry, share his affection. Prince Harry spent his gap year in Klosters working the kitchen of the Walserhof Hostel, learning about cooking and fine wine.

Keeping with Kloster's rural quietude, there are more attractions than skiing and eating. Local places of interest include a Protestant church with windows painted by Augusto Giacometti, the Rohr Flour Mill, and four art galleries.

While the rest of the world changes, Klosters remains an oasis of serenity and seclusion.